Mercedes-Benz USA disclosed its pricing for the all-new MY14 B-Class Electric Drive, which is the first electric offering for the brand in the U.S.
The B-Class Electric Drive is priced at $41,450, excluding $925 destination and delivery. Customers may be eligible for federal tax credits (which run up to $7,500) or state/local tax credits, which further enhance the overall offering.
The B-Class Electric Drive will launch in summer of 2014. The MY14 B-Class Electric Drive includes the following standard equipment:
•All Electric Front Wheel Drive
•Twenty-eight kWh lithium-ion battery
•Three years of mbrace2 – including access to EV apps and Vehicle Home Page
All B-Class Electric Drive vehicles will be covered by Battery Coverage Plus which includes 8-year, 100,000 mile battery coverage, coverage for defects, coverage for capacity, no cost annual maintenance and roadside assistance.
Quiet and local emission-free driving is ensured by an electric motor generating 177 hp (132 kW). Typical for an electric drive system, the motor develops its maximum torque of 251 lb-ft (340 Newton meters). This is approximately equivalent to the torque from a modern three-liter gasoline engine. The result is noticeably powerful acceleration from a standing start, regardless of whether the vehicle is in “E” efficiency or “S” sport mode. The electrically driven B-Class drives from zero to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds.
The B-Class Electric Drive features a full regenerative mode (D-), normal drive (D), and coasting (D+) feature. The “D Auto” feature features a unique radar-based recuperation, which adjusts speeds depending on traffic in front of the vehicle.
The power supply to the electric drive is delivered via a high-performance lithium-ion battery, which is compactly housed in the “Energy Space” in the underfloor of the vehicle.
The MY14 B-Class Electric Vehicle will be available beginning in mid-July, 2014 to dealers in the following states: California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont. Other state availability will be announced in 2015.
Published in the June 2014 Edition of American Recycler News
